Minister to Speak at World Education Forum 2016

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey will represent Canada’s ministers of education at the World Education Forum in London, U.K. on Jan. 19. The minister will be part of a panel addressing Education in Areas of Conflict and Crisis: Refugee/Migrant Education.

“I am honoured to represent Canada at the world’s largest gathering of education and skills ministers,” said Ms. Casey. “It will be a tremendous opportunity to highlight the excellent work that our public school systems are doing across Canada to welcome the thousands of Syrian newcomers expected in the coming weeks and months.”

The minister’s presentation will focus on how jurisdictions are addressing challenges with movements of population, providing education for children, and integrating and supporting Syrians to their new home. Examples of initiatives include welcome centers, culturally responsive teaching and learning, best practices in new language acquisition, and supports to children and youth who have experienced trauma.

“The steps we are taking in Nova Scotia mirror what is happening right across the country,” said Ms. Casey. “Our schools and school boards have experience welcoming immigrants to our public education system and I have every confidence they will draw on this experience to help ensure a smooth transition for our new Syrian students.”

The Canadian Council of Ministers of Education is funding the minister’s trip.